Wondering where the best Japanese restaurants in London at? We’re here to save you!

Every Japanese restaurant in London has quirks to satisfy each customer’s taste buds – from sushi rolls to soft shell crab and has great choices for European cuisines, too. Most Japanese restaurants are in the most bustling corner of London, the Covent Garden.

You’ll discover mouth-watering Japanese classics from a bento box to a raw fish, so sit back tight already! Let’s look into the list of a few restaurants in London that bring the best Japanese soul food.

1. Best Japanese Restaurants in London

1.1 Sushisamba

Situated on Liverpool Street and Covent Garden, Sushisamba is known especially for its unlimited terrace and high-viewing experience.

It is located on the 38th and 39th floor of Heron Tower, from where you can admire the panoramic views of the magnificent London skyline. It is the perfect spot to bring your family, friends, or partner to celebrate a special day or events like anniversaries, birthdays, or romantic dates.

The décor of this place is something to die for. It has floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall glass windows, and bamboo ceilings comprising bright colours.

Two colossal glass wall elevators will take you to the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower. It offers you a visual feast of the ethereal London skyline all around with a 360-degree view. No wonder it is among the most anticipated Japanese restaurants.

They have a comprehensive set of cuisines and space for gluten-free and vegan menus for people with dietary concerns.

Their facilities and staff hospitality are undoubtedly top-notch, just like their food. These people know how to do food right, so let’s check that out now.

1.1.1 Must Try Dishes

They will help you through anything, along with finger-licking good Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian Cuisine dishes.

There are plenty of crowd-favourite dishes to look forward to from Sushisamba. We can name a few of them for you. Yellowtail Sashimi, Fatty Tuna, T-Bone Steak, Samba London, Robata Grilled Kobe-Ribeye, Japanese Steamed Rice and Wagyu Gyoza, and Black Miso Cod.

A few cocktails are also necessary since we’re already into the food dishes. They are Kobe Cocktail, 1907, Sakura, Lychee Cooler, Samba Sour, and Golden Colada.

These Japanese food and cocktails are popular ones that are always in high demand in Sushisamba. Another thing to note is that Sushisamba is one of the few Japanese restaurants that offers Kobe on their menu list.

1.2. Yashin Sushi Bar

Yashin is entirely among the quirkiest restaurants in London that you may come across. Unlike any other Japanese restaurant, Yashin has a motto: they are not to use soy sauce in their cooking or cuisine.

Instead, they will serve their individual and innovative side dishes. They get your sushi flavoured with plum paste or some jelly. Either way, the flavour will be new and innovative, and you’ll return to get a hold of that taste.

Speaking about the interior of this Japanese restaurant, you’ll see a big sign wrapped with neon lights, which also happens to be one of the attractions of this place.

Their Japanese cuisine is top-notch. Especially if you have a soft corner for sushi and sashimi.

Yashin Sushi Bar has an experienced team of outstanding chefs in the house, like Ryuichi Furukawa, Yasuhiro Mineno, and Shinya Ikeda, who are the top experts for the yummy and delicious sushi and other dishes that Yashin brings to the table.

1.2.1 Must Try Dishes

This place is famous for its Tuna Sashimi, Saikyo Lamb, Sweet Miso, Summer Truffle Berries, and Fatty Tuna dishes. Another uniqueness about them when it comes to serving their Japanese cuisine is that they make and cook each sushi one by one and give it to you to devour its well-made warm flavour in your mouth, which is readily made.

Isn’t that fascinating? How many Japanese restaurants in London will feed you sushi with the perfect temperature and softness right after it’s been cooked? None. However, Yashin is a little interesting and innovative.

There are other great choices like Pork Belly, Robata Grill, and Wagyu Beef, some Japanese Classics that every Japanese restaurant must have, so visit Yashin for a spectacular and uniquely warm experience with artistic chefs and fascinating décor with green tiles and lamps.

Even though its exterior may look a bit French, the food has an authentic Japanese taste. Yashin is undoubtedly a treasure trove of flavour, innovation, and outstanding experience of Japanese food.

1.3. Uchi

Situated on Clarence Road, this hidden gem, Uchi, is known for its versatility and perfection in decor and Japanese cuisine.

The meaning of ‘Uchi‘ in Japanese means ‘Inside,’ which is quite simple and not that deep philosophically. However, once you step into the gorgeous, intimate setting of this Japanese restaurant under the curtains, you’ll get the natural feel of what it means to be dining at Uchi.

Comprising a short list of menus, the dishes are separated into Hot and Cold dishes and well-crafted cocktails.

Among all the other places, Uchi certainly takes the prize for having the most sophisticated and artistic decor and ambience.

Adorned with simple dim lighting, a stunning set of wooden tables brushed with a golden finish is all around. You can find cute menu cards with bulldog clippings to make them feel even more perfect.

It is an ideal spot to dine in and relax if you’re having a meal with your partner on a romantic date when soft, melodic music is playing in the background with a lovely, relaxing, cozy atmosphere.

Uchi quickly brings in a calm and sweet ambience once you enter this hidden spot in Hackney Street.

Along with great cocktails and a small menu of high-quality food, Uchi effortlessly is one of the top picks. Even the presentation of their Japanese cuisine is beyond appreciation.

With beautiful banana cutlery and visually sweet dishes, the place is valuable among the best London food chains.

1.3.1 Must Try Dishes

You can try these Japanese dishes at Uchi: Soft Shell Crab Sushi, Tuna and Salmon Sashimi, Robata Grill, Vegan Seaweed Salads, Chicken Karage, and Delicious Vegan Tempura.

Even their vegan menu is flavoursome, especially the seaweed and carrot salad. You’ll be stunned to taste it and how delicious it is as fish and chicken dishes in Uchi.

When it comes to their set of great cocktails, Uchi does a great job there as well. A few of the crowd’s favourites for drinks are – Umeshu Mojito, Nikka, Sapporo, Hibiki, Asahi, and Kirin Ichiban.

Apart from these, Uchi has side dishes, like Pickles, Fried Chicken Wings, Fried Rice Balls, and Garlic Crisps.

Uchi may be a bit underrated than most on this list, but it is the exotic flavour of authentic Japanese cuisine.

It is also open to the first European visitors curious about traditional Japanese cuisine.

1.4. Roka

Situated on Charlotte Street, this unique place is famous for its Rock Shrimp Tempura and Robata Grilled meats; Roka is among the few best Japanese restaurants, filled with fame and glamour.

This restaurant also has famous branches in Riyadh, Istanbul, Aldwych, Canary Wharf, and Mayfair.

Even though the deluxe Japanese food and service are pretty pricy, the flavour and service they have to offer are worth it.

From their fleshy raw fish to the well-cooked meat, this place is based on an open grill location where many tourists and known faces gather for a great dining experience.

It is opened by the same owner as Zuma (another famous Japanese restaurant), called Rainer Becker, and Roka is regarded as the younger and more glitzy sister of Zuma.

1.4.1 Must Try Dishes

A few of the most crowd-favourite dishes you can order are- California Maki, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Hamachi, Wagyu Gunkan, Chicken Skewers with Spring Onions, Lamb Culet with Korean Spice, Marinated Black Cod, Teriyaki Chicken, and Pork Bone Broth.

According to customer reviews, the lamb cutlets and chicken skewers are a must-try. They are full of flavour and soft and fleshy.

They also have a tasting menu for those who arrive to dine for the first time at Roka. So, this tasting menu is beneficial since it gives a wild sneak peek into Roku’s heavy flavours.

But it is still pricy, even if it is the tasting menu. There are other great items, too, like Wagyu Beef, Yellowtail Sashimi, Prawn Tempura, Tuna Sashimi, Black Cod, Pork Belly, and other Japanese traditional food, which will melt in your mouth with flavour effortlessly.

The sweet tooth people who enjoy a good dessert after a meal can order the Sticky Toffee Pudding with cream and caramel and Dark Chocolate with Peer Ice-cream.

1.5. Eat Tokyo

Infamous for its delicious sushi and alluring bento boxes, Eat Tokyo is a go-to restaurant for street food.

After a long list of expensive restaurants, Eat Tokyo is among those in London that offer low prices with great flavour.

Don’t be surprised if you witness a long queue in this Japanese restaurant on a busy weekday.

The restaurant has been established four decades ago. It is still popular among London regulars who often crave a nice and warm Japanese meal.

At quite a cheap and affordable rate, Eat Tokyo ensures you have a great meal from Japan.

1.5.1 Must Try Dishes

Renowned for its big bento boxes, it also offers delicious items like katsu curry, soft sushi, sashimi, unagi, and nigiri – the classics of authentic Japanese food.

Their food menu list is long, but don’t be intimidated. The food quality is always top-notch, and they never compromise on that while keeping the rate affordable.

Apart from Old Compton Street, six more branches are strewn around this exquisite diner. Other popular units exist in Nottingham Hill, Holborn, Soho, Covent Garden, and Hammersmith.

Even the atmosphere in Eat Tokyo is quite traditional, like Japanese restaurants, with a warm and cozy vibe, feeling homely with a sense of belonging.

Eat Tokyo is undoubtedly among the restaurants that offer affordable rates. So, make sure to give it a try!

1.6. Dinings SW3

At Lennox Gardens Mews in West London, Dinings SW3 is one of London’s most expensive restaurants. It has a luxurious twist at the edge on Cornish day boats.

It has glass walls and an intimate setting within an airy, spacious, widespread interior. Dining’s SW3 is tempting with deluxe food, branded cocktails, and a wonderful ambiance.

If you are craving small plates like fried chicken wings or main courses like Sashimi or Black Sesame chicken,  this place will lure you in with exquisite cocktails, flavours, and views from high-end buildings.

There is also a secluded space like a terrace or courtyard where you can enjoy private dining with your family, friends, or a partner.

The interior décor is luxurious, with soft-plain walls of light colour, high-end glass windows, and gorgeous marble counters, exuding natural warmth and charisma.

You can see the chefs cooking in the clean, beautiful kitchen attached closely to the dining hall, so witnessing and dining simultaneously is a great experience.

Their food is typically seasonal, ranging from seasons using the best ingredients for their seafood items.

We’ve got your back if you’re stuck spellbound at the table.

1.6.1 Must Try Dishes

For starter crowd favourites, you can order Steamed Mini Burger Buns, Sushi and Sashimi, Sushi Rolls, Wagyu Beef, Potted Cuttlefish, and Crispy Rice with Miso Soup.

For the signature cocktails from Dining’s SW3, you can order Konishi Gold, 78 Gin, Snow Blossom, Green Ridge, Jewel Brocade, Tenth Degree, Cherry Bouquet, Hiroshima, and Moonlight.

For those who love desserts, do not worry; there are also a few great dessert options. You can order – Yuzu Cheesecake, Soba Beignet, Dark Chocolate Nemesis, and Lychee Sakura Macarons.

1.7. Zuma

Regarded as the older sister of Roka, Zuma is a place you can’t miss out on. This unique Japanese restaurant has been open for 20 years. It has been booming ever since with its modern Japanese food set.

The food comes from Robata Grill, Sushi Bar, and the Kitchen—a fashionable dining zone.

Whether it is the finger-licking good food, the classy, dimly light, seductive atmosphere, or the deluxe chocolate leather booths.

Celebrities or rich people often hang out at this destination when craving top-notch Japanese food.

Zuma has up to 13 different branches worldwide due to its extreme popularity. A few are in Bangkok, Miami, and even Boston.

1.7.1 Must Try Dishes

Their izakaya-styled dining system is one of the most famous things about Zuma. Zuma is widely renowned for too many dishes. Shrimp Tempura, Black Cod Miso, Iberico Pork, Crispy Fried Squid, and Fried Tofu with avocado.

You can order cocktails – Norisan, Burning History, and Rioja Reserva.

Zuma holds a lot more surprises than it seems. So, visit this exquisite place of top-notch Japanese cuisine fused with a little European twist.

2. Closing Thoughts

Finally, we have made it to the end of the list of the best Japanese restaurants in London. Apart from the mentioned hits, great diners like Aqua Kyoto, Shoryu, and Nanban are also in for Japanese cuisine.

Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Sampurna Laha